State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance’s Post

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and Black Mothers in Power wants to take a moment to honor and remember the babies who are no longer with us. This month is a time to acknowledge the pain and grief that comes with losing a pregnancy or infant, and to offer support and love to those who have experienced this unimaginable loss. Black mothers and families in Delaware face unique challenges when it comes to pregnancy and infant loss, including disparities in access to quality healthcare, higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, and systemic racism that can impact the care and support they receive during these difficult times. It is important for us to come together as a community to provide empathy, understanding, and resources to those who are grieving. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, know that you are not alone. Reach out to Black Mothers in Power for support, resources, and community. #PregnancyLoss #InfantLoss #SupportBlackMothers #GriefAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone

🤰💙For mothers, breastfeeding is more than just providing nourishment; it's a precious bond between parent and child, a natural connection deserving celebration and support. However, some mothers may feel uneasy about breastfeeding in public. ✔️The reassuring truth is that it is not only entirely natural but also fully protected by the law. Discover how laws safeguard your patients' confidence to breastfeed in public by visiting https://hubs.ly/Q0295gP80. #BreastPumping #Breastfeeding #NewMom #BabyFeeding

Returning to the office after giving birth? Whether you’re pumping at work or breastfeeding in public, it can be overwhelming. We’ve got you covered. Our latest blog post shares advice for pumping at work, including our top three tips: 1. Be prepared and speak with your employer about pumping schedules 2. Get the right hands-free bra to help you pump 3. Ensure your workplace follows the laws and provides adequate breastfeeding accommodations Find more details and understand laws around breastfeeding in public, knowing what to expect when you return to the office, and ensuring you have the right accommodations at work: https://lnkd.in/dJStqBA7 #Worklife #Breastfeeding #Motherhood #PumpingRoom #AeroflowBreastpumps

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World Breastfeeding Week Global rates of exclusive breastfeeding have increased by 11 percentage points over the last decade. This means just under half of all babies are now exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life. But to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from the power of breastmilk, the world must do more. UNICEF is working with governments and partners across the world to create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. This includes ensuring that: ✅ Every mother has access to breastfeeding support and family-friendly policies such as paid parental leave, paid breastfeeding breaks and breastfeeding spaces. 🚫 Every parent is protected from aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes. 📈 Countries improve monitoring systems that track policies, programs, and funding relating to breastfeeding. #Breastfeeding #Exclusive_breastfeeding #Infantnutrition #UNICEF #WHO #FAO #Dietitian #Nutritionist

Did you know you need to carry out a Maternity risk assessment when one of your employees 🔵 tells you they are pregnant 🔵 has had a child within the last 6 months 🔵is breastfeeding Check out our maternity risk assessment template to help you remain legally compliant https://ow.ly/G76u50R4qAG

Having support from friends, family, childcare providers, local businesses, and employers can make all the difference to a breastfeeding family. Whether dropping off a meal, supporting her choice to feed her baby in a public space, or providing adequate breaks and space to pump during work time, a little bit of support goes a long way towards helping families to meet their breastfeeding goals. For more ideas on how to be a great breastfeeding support, check out the CDC's "Guide to Support Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies" here: https://lnkd.in/egmTrzZs

Finding time to step out of the classroom is difficult for teachers. Without mandated protection from laws and policies that support breastfeeding, many workers find it impossible to temporarily step away from their work duties for pumping or infant feeding. A bill introduced in Arizona this week would provide important protections for teachers who are breastfeeding (reasonable break time, private spot for feeding). This protection helps people reach their infant feeding goals and facilitates more breastfeeding at six months (Smith-Gagen et al., 2014). After several years of being in the classroom, I know how hard it is to leave the room, even to go to the bathroom! Hats off to AZ for recognizing that teachers need support for breastfeeding. Smith-Gagen, J., Hollen, R., Tashiro, S., Cook, D. M., & Yang, W. (2014). The association of state law to breastfeeding practices in the US. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 18, 2034-2043. Want to learn more? Read Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding by Kelly M. Durbin, IBCLC. #breastfeeding #breastfeedingsupport #lactation #lactationsupport #protectbreastfeeding

#Breastfeeding is legal in 50 states. Let's make sure it feels that way. - - - Production by REMEDY. Created In Partnership with the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and Alliance of Women Directors. - - - Learn more about existing legislation that supports breastfeeding: https://lnkd.in/ea8Xudu2 Understand legal protections for pregnant and lactating employees: https://lnkd.in/gjJyqRiz Take action with the USBC: https://lnkd.in/eBPCgFXD

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is a #nonprofit working to protect, promote, and support #breastfeeding in the #UnitedStates. Several key #successes to date: 👷♀️Workplace protections: Advocated for the “Break Time for Nursing Mothers” provision in the #AffordableCareAct (2010) and the #PUMP for #NursingMothersAct (2022), expanding breastfeeding accommodations for working mothers. 📢Public health campaigns: Supported campaigns like The Surgeon General Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding (2011), raising awareness and normalizing breastfeeding. 👩🏿🍼👩🏼🍼👩🏽🍼👩🏾🍼#Equity initiatives: Launched the #RacialEquityInitiative to address disparities in breastfeeding support for marginalized communities. 🇺🇸#Federal policy advocacy: Influenced federal policies to improve breastfeeding support in healthcare, WIC programs, and military settings. 👏🏻#Collaborative networks: Built partnerships through the National Breastfeeding Coalitions Collaborative, promoting local #advocacy efforts.